Does My Program Require a Visa?

Whether you need a visa depends on the specific Panama program you are attending. Please refer to the list below to determine whether a visa is required for your program. 

Programs That Do Not Require a Visa 

The following programs do not require participants to obtain a Panamanian visa: 

Programs That Do Require a Visa 

Students participating in the following programs are required to obtain a Panamanian visa upon arrival in Panama:

Broad Curriculum Programs
First-Year Programs 

 

No-Visa-Required Programs 

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations. 

Passport Validity 

Your passport must: 

  • Have at least two blank visa pages.
  • Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Panama. 

If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. 

International Travel Restrictions 

U.S. citizens are permitted to travel for up to 180-days in the Republic of Panama under visa-free visitor status. 

Immigration Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens 

  • Immigration requirements may vary by nationality. If you do not possess a U.S. passport, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu for guidance.
  • To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date. 

 

Visa-Required Programs

For most participants — including U.S. citizens — a student visa is required for this program.

Please reference the information below for details regarding immigration requirements and other important considerations.

Immigration Requirements for U.S. Citizens

  • You will formally apply for your visa in the Republic of Panama after your arrival to your program with the assistance of Florida State University Republic of Panama staff.
  • Prior to your departure for your program, you will be required to submit preliminary documentation for the purpose of your visa application.
    • Admitted participants will receive instructions regarding visa requirements within 6-8 weeks prior to program arrival.
  • Applicants who will be under the age of 18 on their program arrival date will need to prepare additional support documentation prior to departure.
    • Required documentation can take several weeks to prepare, contact IP-Visas@fsu.edu if you will be under 18 upon arrival in Panama.

Immigration Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens

  • Immigration requirements may vary by nationality. If you do not possess a U.S. passport, email IP-Visas@fsu.edu for guidance.
  • To reenter the U.S. after your program, you must travel with appropriate U.S. documentation (e.g., Permanent Resident Card, or long-term U.S. visa) valid for at least three months beyond your return date.

Under 18 Requirements

  • Applicants who will be under the age of 18 on their program arrival date will need to prepare additional support documentation prior to departure.

    • Required documentation can take several weeks to prepare, contact IP-Visas@fsu.edu if you will be under 18 upon arrival in Panama.

Passport Validity

  • Your passport must:
    • Have at least two blank visa pages.
    • Remain valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Panama.
  • If you need to obtain a new passport for your program, consider using our on-campus passport services. 

Criminal Record Restriction

  • Please be aware that while Panamanian Immigration Authorities do not require travelers to obtain a criminal background check to enter the country, they reserve the right to deny entry to any person with a criminal conviction.